Lab Lead Test Engineer

Overview

As Lab Lead Test Engineer at Safran Electrical Components in Slough, you will lead a team delivering mechanical, electrical and environmental testing for aerospace components. You’ll shape laboratory capability, support new product qualification, and drive performance within a regulated manufacturing context. You’ll collaborate with Engineering, Quality and Production to ensure compliant, reliable test outcomes. The role combines hands-on lab work with people leadership, offering growth and impact across critical programmes.

Pay / Benefits

• Early finish on Fridays
• Competitive salary
• 22.5 days’ holiday + bank holidays
• Pension + Life Assurance
• Professional development and mentoring
• Health Cash Plan

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Test Engineers and Laboratory Technicians
• Plan, prioritise and coordinate laboratory activities and resources
• Manage mechanical, electrical and environmental test programmes
• Support development, qualification and lifecycle testing activities
• Ensure calibration, compliance and operation of laboratory equipment
• Coordinate external testing with specialist test houses
• Produce, review and present technical reports and test results
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Production, Supply Chain and Customer Services
• Support root cause investigations and continuous improvement initiatives
• Contribute to future laboratory growth and testing capacity

Key requirements

• Bachelor or Master in Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• Hands-on aerospace testing or lab experience with leadership preferred
• Experience leading technical engineering teams
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical and environmental testing
• Experience planning and managing test activities in regulated environments
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Ability to balance hands-on work with leadership responsibilities
• Experience supporting technical investigations and problem solving

• Stakeholder management
• Communication
• Leadership
• Aerospace testing experience
• Laboratory management
• AS9100 (or equivalent)

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